Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $44,550, significantly above the national average of $38,660. This higher compensation is likely driven by the specialized nature of animal care roles and the specific economic conditions within the Portland-South Portland metropolitan area, which may include a higher demand for skilled veterinary support staff.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,900.
- Outlook: The local job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME, appears stable with a total workforce of 230 individuals. The location quotient of 1.09 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a steady, if not rapidly expanding, demand for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+15.2%above the national average.
$21.4
$857
$3,713
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the veterinary and animal care sectors. This growth is typically influenced by inflation, increasing demand for pet and laboratory animal services, and the rising need for qualified support staff.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As individuals gain experience and acquire advanced skills, their earning potential increases significantly. The salary distribution, while not detailed here, generally shows a widening gap between entry-level and senior positions, reflecting the value placed on expertise and tenure in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $38,270 | $18.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $33,413 | $16.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $44,390 | $21.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $55,688 | $26.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $56,900 | $27.4 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Portland-South Portland, ME, the average annual salary of $44,550 aligns perfectly with the local cost of living index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.81
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Portland-South Portland, ME has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.09, Portland-South Portland, ME, exhibits a slightly higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where the demand for these roles is robust, but not overwhelmingly saturated, offering potential opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME is $44,550. This typically ranges from $38,270 for entry-level positions to $56,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 15.2% higher than the national median of $38,660.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average of $44,550, which is higher than the national average. This salary is balanced by a cost of living that matches the national average.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($41,160) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland, ME salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME, is $44,550, which is $5,890 higher than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The location quotient for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME, is 1.09, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME affect the salary?
The cost of living in Portland-South Portland, ME, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $44,550 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Portland-South Portland, ME area?
There are approximately 230 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 0.81 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME
- All Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Management Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
- Browse All Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-South Portland, ME